The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 is about improving the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of Wales. It requires public bodies including Local Authorities, NHS Trusts and Welsh Ministers to think more about the long term, working with each other and the communities they serve, preventing issues and a more joined-up approach. To make sure public bodies are working towards the same vision, the Act puts in place seven well-being goals:

• A Prosperous Wales
• A Resilient Wales
• A More Equal Wales
• A Healthier Wales
• A Wales of Cohesive Communities
• A Wales of Vibrant Culture & Thriving Welsh Language
• A Globally Responsible Wales

The Act also puts in place a sustainable development principle which require public bodies to work in a way that meets the needs of the current generations without compromising the needs of future generations. There are five ways of working that public bodies need to think about to demonstrate that they have applied the sustainable development principle.  Following these ways of working will help us work together better, avoid repeating past mistakes and tackle some of the long-term challenges we face.  These five ways of working are:

• Long term
• Prevention
• Integration
• Collaboration
• Involvement

The Future Generations Commissioner for Wales and his team support public bodies and those who make policy in Wales to consider the long-term impact of the decisions they make.